Architecture and method for optimal tracking of multiple broadband satellite terminals in support of in theatre and rapid deployment applications

Abstract

An antenna communication architecture for simultaneous optimal tracking of multiple broadband satellite terminals in support of in theatre operations and rapid deployment applications, and methods in relation therewith. This communication architecture is especially suitable for implementation as a hosted payload configuration on a host spacecraft.

1 . An architecture for optimal tracking of multiple broadband satellite terminals in support of in theatre and rapid deployment applications, said architecture comprising:
 an antenna system having a feed array fixedly mounted on an antenna structure and operably connected to a reflector movably mounted on the antenna structure for transmitting and receiving at least one electromagnetic signal to and from the movable theatre of operation defined on a ground surface, the feed array generating a plurality of signal beams within the theater for a tracking of said at least one electromagnetic signal corresponding to a respective satellite terminal; and   a signal feeder link assembly connecting to the feed array for communication of said at least one electromagnetic signal of said signal beams to a ground gateway.   
     
     
         2 . The architecture of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of signal beams are generated using an agile beam forming technology. 
     
     
         3 . The architecture of  claim 1 , wherein each said signal beam tracks a corresponding one of said at least one electromagnetic signal corresponding to a respective satellite terminal. 
     
     
         4 . The architecture of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of signal beams are substantially adjacent from one another. 
     
     
         5 . The architecture of  claim 2 , wherein at least one said plurality of signal beams is centered over said at least one electromagnetic signal corresponding said respective satellite terminal being tracked. 
     
     
         6 . The architecture of  claim 2 , wherein said plurality of signal beams is optimized for a link performance providing for a traffic jamming/interference cancellation around the at least one electromagnetic signal corresponding said respective satellite terminal being tracked. 
     
     
         7 . The architecture of  claim 1 , wherein said ground gateway is movable on the ground surface. 
     
     
         8 . A spacecraft comprising:
 an antenna structure;   an architecture for optimal tracking of multiple broadband satellite terminals in support of in theatre and rapid deployment applications, said architecture comprising:   an antenna system having a feed array fixedly mounted on the antenna structure and operably connected to a reflector movably mounted on the antenna structure for transmitting and receiving at least one electromagnetic signal to and from the movable theatre of operation defined on a ground surface, the feed array generating a plurality of signal beams within the theater for a tracking of said at least one electromagnetic signal corresponding to a respective satellite terminal; and   a signal feeder link assembly connecting to the feed array for communication of said at least one electromagnetic signal of said signal beams to a ground gateway.   
     
     
         9 . A method for optimal tracking of multiple moving broadband satellite terminals in support of in theatre operations and rapid deployment applications, said method comprising the steps of:
 steering a reflector of an antenna system mounted on a spacecraft toward a selected theatre of operation defined on a ground surface;   providing for a plurality of signal beams within the theater for tracking at least one electromagnetic signal corresponding to a respective satellite terminal;   communicating said at least one electromagnetic signal of the signal beams to a ground gateway via a signal feeder link assembly connected to a feed array of the antenna system.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the step of providing for a plurality of signal beams includes generating said plurality of signal beams using an agile beam forming technology. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the step of generating said plurality of signal beams using an agile beam forming technology includes generating said plurality of signal beams using a ground based beam forming process. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the step of generating said plurality of signal beams includes optimizing a link performance of each said plurality of signal beams for the tracking of said at least one electromagnetic signal corresponding to a respective satellite terminal. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of optimizing a link performance includes performing a traffic jamming/interference cancellation around the at least one electromagnetic signal corresponding said respective satellite terminal being tracked. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of optimizing a link performance includes centering at least one said plurality of signal beams over said at least one electromagnetic signal corresponding said respective satellite terminal being tracked. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the step of generating said plurality of signal beams using an agile beam forming technology further includes transmitting said signal beams to the antenna system via the signal feeder link assembly. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the step of generating said plurality of signal beams using an agile beam forming technology includes allocating at least one said signal beam to a respective satellite terminal. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 9 , further including the step of interfacing with a ground network hub linked to at least one traffic user via the ground gateway so as to transfer a corresponding said at least one electromagnetic signal therewith. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the step of generating said plurality of signal beams using an agile beam forming technology further includes generating said plurality of signal beams at least partially using an on-board beam forming process.